OBSS Coloring and Scheduling for Mesh Network Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless mesh networks face performance and scalability limitations due to contention-based medium access, leading to packet collisions and retransmissions, especially in backhaul links between Access Points (APs) using the same channel.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) coloring and transmission scheduling, where a controller determines APs' Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and assigns OBSS colors to limit packet collisions, and creates a transmission schedule based on these colors to enable simultaneous transmissions without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple Access Points use the same channel for backhaul links, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but packet collisions and retransmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backhaul transmission medium by introducing OBSS coloring, where different APs are assigned different color identifiers. This allows receiving APs to distinguish between transmissions from different OBSSs, effectively segmenting the collision domain and enabling simultaneous transmissions without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (OBSS coloring with color identifiers) that mediates between multiple APs transmitting on the same channel. The color information acts as an intermediary signal that allows APs to identify and differentiate overlapping transmissions, reducing collisions while maintaining coverage.
2Productivity
If transmission scheduling is implemented based on OBSS colors, then simultaneous transmissions without interference are enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning OBSS colors to different APs and pre-scheduling transmission opportunities based on these colors. This advance planning allows APs to transmit simultaneously without real-time coordination complexity, as the scheduling decisions are made beforehand based on color assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by introducing color identifiers as an additional dimension for transmission management. Instead of managing only time and frequency resources, the system now manages color-coded transmission groups, allowing multiple APs with different colors to transmit simultaneously on the same channel without interference.
3Reliability
If OBSS coloring is assigned to limit packet collisions, then network reliability improves, but the complexity of transmission management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing APs to autonomously use their assigned OBSS colors for transmission identification. Each AP independently manages its own transmissions using its color identifier, and receiving APs automatically use the color information to distinguish overlapping transmissions, reducing the need for complex centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved mesh performance using Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) coloring and transmission scheduling may be provided. A controller may determine that a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a mesh network each have a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) that is in a predetermined range. Next, the controller may assign, in response to determining that the plurality of APs each have the RSSI that is in the predetermined range, OBSS colors to links between the plurality of APs to limit packet collision in the mesh network between the plurality of APs. The controller may then create a transmission schedule for transmissions between the plurality of APs in the mesh network based on the assigned OBSS colors.